GB2427480A - Electrochemcial gas sensor with integral test gas generator connected via a conduit - Google Patents

Electrochemcial gas sensor with integral test gas generator connected via a conduit Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2427480A
GB2427480A GB0611897A GB0611897A GB2427480A GB 2427480 A GB2427480 A GB 2427480A GB 0611897 A GB0611897 A GB 0611897A GB 0611897 A GB0611897 A GB 0611897A GB 2427480 A GB2427480 A GB 2427480A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
gas
gas sensor
generator
conduit
measuring electrode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0611897A
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GB2427480B (en
GB0611897D0 (en
Inventor
Uwe Kuehn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Draeger Safety AG and Co KGaA
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Draeger Safety AG and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Draeger Safety AG and Co KGaA filed Critical Draeger Safety AG and Co KGaA
Publication of GB0611897D0 publication Critical patent/GB0611897D0/en
Publication of GB2427480A publication Critical patent/GB2427480A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2427480B publication Critical patent/GB2427480B/en
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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/403Cells and electrode assemblies
    • G01N27/404Cells with anode, cathode and cell electrolyte on the same side of a permeable membrane which separates them from the sample fluid, e.g. Clark-type oxygen sensors
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/416Systems
    • G01N27/4163Systems checking the operation of, or calibrating, the measuring apparatus
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/416Systems
    • G01N27/417Systems using cells, i.e. more than one cell and probes with solid electrolytes
    • G01N27/4175Calibrating or checking the analyser
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
    • G01N33/0006Calibrating gas analysers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
    • G01N33/0009General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
    • G01N33/007Arrangements to check the analyser

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Measuring Oxygen Concentration In Cells (AREA)

Abstract

A compact gas sensor arrangement, to which a test gas can be admitted without the use of mechanical components and whose readiness for measurements during the calibration is interrupted only for a short period, consists of the combination of an electrochemical gas sensor (3) and an electrochemical gas generator (2) with a gas conduit (1) from the gas generator (2) to the measuring electrode (9) of the gas sensor (3), whereby the measuring gas from the surroundings of the gas sensor (3) has free access to the measuring electrode (9).

Description

2427480
Gas sensor arrangement with electrochemical gas generator The invention relates to a gas sensor arrangement.
For the purpose of functional control or calibration, a given test gas or ambient gas (ie gas in the surroundings of the sensor to be measured by the gas sensor) has to be admitted to electrochemical gas sensors at regular intervals. This generally takes place manually using compressed gas containers or with calibration gas containers or under normal pressure, or automatically using chemical or electrochemical gas generators, such as described for example in GB 2 254 696 A. Common to these methods is the fact that the electrochemical gas sensor is not available for measurements or ambient gas during the calibration.
The present invention is as claimed in the claims.
The present invention makes available a compact gas sensor arrangement with an electrochemical gas sensor, to which a test gas can be admitted for calibration or test purposes without the use of mechanical components such as valves, whereby not only the electrochemical system, but also the gas path to the gas sensor can be checked and the readiness for measurements is not interrupted or interrupted for a short period, only.
The measuring electrode of the gas sensor and the working electrode of the gas generator are preferably arranged in a plane, and the generated test gas conveyed via a gas conduit to the electrochemical gas sensor. The gas conduit may project into a region of the measuring electrode that is freely accessible by the diffusion of measuring gas from the surroundings of the gas sensor and be formed in such a way that as small an area as possible of the measuring electrode is covered and the gas sensor can be exposed frontally to test gas. By switching on the gas generator via a control and analysis unit, the gas sensor can be tested and it is then immediately ready for measurements of ambient gas. By employing a plausibility approach, the gas sensor can also remain in the
-2-
measuring mode during calibration. Both the calibration gas generation and the gas sensor signal are connected via the common control and analysis unit. The quantity of generated test gas is proportional to the current through the gas generator, so that the gas sensor also displays a proportional sensor current. If a supply of ambient gas also takes place from the surroundings, the sensor current will be higher by a corresponding amount, so that the actual ambient gas concentration in the surroundings can be deduced from a knowledge of the generator current.
An example of embodiment of the invention is explained below with the aid of the figures of which:
Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a gas sensor arrangement; and
Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the arrangement according to figure 1.
A gas generator 2 and an electrochemical gas sensor 3 are connected to one another on the gas side via gas conduit 1, in such a way that test gas or calibration gas generated in gas generator 2 can pass without gas loss into a region of measuring electrode 9 of gas sensor 3 that is freely accessible by diffusion. The test gas or calibration gas is generated at a working electrode 4 of gas generator 2 and diffuses through a porous or inherently permeable membrane 7 and interior space 5 of gas conduit 1 to a porous or inherently permeable diffusion membrane 8 and is detected at measuring electrode 9 of gas sensor 3.
An opening 6 of gas conduit 1 projects into a region 10 of measuring electrode 9 of the gas sensor that is freely accessible by diffusion of ambient gas from the surroundings of gas sensor 3 and which is preferably opened in the direction thereof and arranged centrally. Gas conduit 1 is formed in such a way that as little as possible of accessible region 10 is covered.
-3 -
Opening 6 of gas conduit 1 is preferably provided within or at most at the level of housing edge 11, in order to minimise gas losses into the surroundings and flow effects. Housing edge 11 can be raised artificially, but that leads to a restriction of the spherical diffusion and thus to a reduction of the measurement signal. An arrangement that is too close with a spacing of opening 6 of less than 0.5 millimetres influences the free diffusion of the measuring gas to gas sensor 3, or more precisely to measuring electrode 9, and should therefore be avoided.
Gas generator 2 and gas sensor 3 are accommodated in a space-saving manner in a housing 16 made of a plastics material such as for example polypropylene, polyethylene or polytetrafluorethylene, in order to keep gas conduit 1 as short as possible. Reference electrodes 12, 14 and counter-electrodes 13, 15 of the electrochemical systems are shown in the drawing for the sake of completeness. The generation of calibration gas and the gas sensor signal are operated via a common control and analysis unit 20, which is connected by means of connection lines 17, 18, 19 and 21, 22, 23 to the electrodes of both electrochemical systems.
The combination of gas sensor 3, gas generator 2 and gas conduit 1 can also be constructed in a modular fashion and can be connected so as to be mechanically detachable. In particular, gas conduit 1 can be designed as an independent connection part, which is fitted on when it is not an integral component of housing 16. Preferred materials for gas conduit 1 are chemically resistant plastics with a smooth surface, in order to avoid adsorptions in interior space 5.
The length of gas conduit 1 should, ideally, not exceed 30 millimetres and the cross-sectional area through which a flow can freely pass should lie between 0.2 and 5 square millimetres.
The electrodes of gas sensor 3 are preferably platinum/PTFE composite electrodes.
-4-
The gas generation in gas generator 2 takes place by switching on an electric voltage between working electrode and counter-electrode 4, 15 of gas generator 2. Hydrogen and oxygen, for example, arise through electrolysis of water. The hydrogen diffuses via gas conduit 1 to gas sensor 3 and is detected there. Alternatively, a gas sensor 3 for the measurement of ammonia comprises for example three iridium electrodes with a suitable electrolyte such as for example a calcium nitrate solution.
The gas generation in gas generator 2 takes place in this case by the application of an electric voltage at working electrode and counter-electrode 4, 15, measured against reference electrode 14 in an ammonium salt solution. The shift in the pH value leads to a liberation of ammonia, and this diffuses via gas conduit 1 to gas sensor 3.
-5-

Claims (11)

1. A gas sensor arrangement including an electrochemical gas sensor, an electrochemical gas generator and a gas conduit extending from the gas generator to the vicinity of the measuring electrode of the gas sensor, and in which ambient gas from the surroundings of the gas sensor has free access to the measuring electrode.
2. The gas sensor according to claim 1, in which the measuring electrode is covered with a porous or inherently permeable diffusion membrane.
3. The gas sensor according to claim 1 or 2, in which the electrodes of the gas sensor and the gas generator are connected to a control and analysis unit.
4. The gas sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the combination of gas sensor, gas generator and gas conduit are mechanically detachable from each other.
5. The gas sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the gas sensor and the gas generator are arranged beside one another in a planar fashion.
6. The gas sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the gas sensor and the gas generator have a circular cross-section.
7. The gas sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the gas conduit has a length of at most 30 millimetres and a cross-sectional area of 0.2 to 5 square millimetres.
8. The gas sensor according to any one of preceding claims 2 to 7, in which the diffusion membrane (8) is made of a polymer, in particular of PTFE.
-6-
9. A method of operating a gas sensor arrangement comprising leading a test gas from an integral electrochemical gas generator to the vicinity of a measuring electrode of the gas sensor in a manner which also allows free access of ambient gas to the measuring electrode.
10. A gas sensor substantially as hereinbefore described with a reference to, and/or as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
11. A method of operating a gas sensor substantially as hereinbefore described.
GB0611897A 2005-06-17 2006-06-15 Gas sensor arrangement with electrochemical gas generator Active GB2427480B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102005028246A DE102005028246B4 (en) 2005-06-17 2005-06-17 Gas sensor arrangement with electrochemical gas generator

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0611897D0 GB0611897D0 (en) 2006-07-26
GB2427480A true GB2427480A (en) 2006-12-27
GB2427480B GB2427480B (en) 2010-05-26

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0611897A Active GB2427480B (en) 2005-06-17 2006-06-15 Gas sensor arrangement with electrochemical gas generator

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US7704356B2 (en)
DE (1) DE102005028246B4 (en)
GB (1) GB2427480B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2172531A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2010-04-07 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Function test for a gas alarm system

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006038364B3 (en) * 2006-08-16 2007-08-30 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Electro-chemical gas generator for producing carbon monoxide as testing or calibration gas, has cathode and anode staying in direct contact with electrolytes, and control unit serving as power source and connected with anode and cathode
DE202006020536U1 (en) 2006-09-29 2008-11-13 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Electrochemical gas generator for flammable gases
DE102009036012A1 (en) 2009-08-04 2011-02-17 Knick Elektronische Messgeräte GmbH & Co. KG Electrochemical sensor for measuring the oxygen partial pressure in a process fluid and method for its functional test
DE102009052957A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-06-09 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Gas sensor with test gas generator
WO2012082113A1 (en) * 2010-12-14 2012-06-21 Utc Fire & Security Corporation Thin film micromachined gas sensor
US9110041B2 (en) * 2011-08-04 2015-08-18 Aramco Services Company Self-testing combustible gas and hydrogen sulfide detection apparatus
WO2013189175A1 (en) 2012-06-21 2013-12-27 无锡市尚沃医疗电子股份有限公司 Method and device for measuring concentration of substance in fluid
JP6372017B2 (en) * 2013-07-22 2018-08-15 新コスモス電機株式会社 Detector
DE102014108109A1 (en) * 2014-06-10 2015-12-17 Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG Method for calibrating a gas sensor and mobile calibration unit for a gas sensor positioned in a process control system
DE102015012440B4 (en) 2015-09-28 2020-02-13 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Electrochemical gas generator for ammonia using ionic liquids and using the gas generator
EP3173784B1 (en) * 2015-11-24 2020-11-18 LAMTEC Meß- und Regeltechnik für Feuerungen GmbH Gas measuring arrangement with test gas generation unit
DE102016003284B4 (en) * 2016-03-18 2022-05-19 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Gas measuring device with a test device for checking a gas sensor
US10900942B2 (en) * 2018-10-15 2021-01-26 Honeywell International Inc. Device and method for detecting restrictions in gas access to a gas sensor
CN111537670B (en) * 2020-04-20 2022-06-10 中国科学院上海微系统与信息技术研究所 Top contact type gas testing cavity and dynamic gas testing system applying same
DE102020132771A1 (en) 2020-12-09 2022-06-09 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA gas meter

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US4444645A (en) * 1981-07-28 1984-04-24 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Measuring apparatus for the analytical determination of a gas partial pressure
GB2362959A (en) * 1999-04-01 2001-12-05 Central Research Lab Ltd A gas sensor

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GB2254696A (en) 1991-04-09 1992-10-14 Emi Plc Thorn Gas sensor and calibration device
GB9510454D0 (en) * 1995-05-24 1995-07-19 City Tech Electrochemical gas sensor assembly
GB9625463D0 (en) * 1996-12-07 1997-01-22 Central Research Lab Ltd Gas sensors
US6454923B1 (en) * 1997-11-10 2002-09-24 Central Research Laboratories Limited Gas sensor
US6200443B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2001-03-13 Atwood Industries, Inc. Gas sensor with a diagnostic device
US6948352B2 (en) * 2002-02-07 2005-09-27 Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc. Self-calibrating carbon monoxide detector and method
GB2407870B (en) * 2003-11-10 2006-09-06 Kidde Ip Holdings Ltd Self-testing gas detector

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4444645A (en) * 1981-07-28 1984-04-24 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Measuring apparatus for the analytical determination of a gas partial pressure
GB2362959A (en) * 1999-04-01 2001-12-05 Central Research Lab Ltd A gas sensor

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2172531A1 (en) 2008-10-03 2010-04-07 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Function test for a gas alarm system
US8159359B2 (en) 2008-10-03 2012-04-17 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Function check for a gas-alarm annunciator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2427480B (en) 2010-05-26
US7704356B2 (en) 2010-04-27
GB0611897D0 (en) 2006-07-26
DE102005028246B4 (en) 2007-05-03
DE102005028246A1 (en) 2006-12-28
US20060283707A1 (en) 2006-12-21

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